Benromach Distillery

A Speyside Gem with a Smoky Soul

Benromach Distillery, perched on the outskirts of the historic market town of Forres, is one of Speyside’s smallest and most characterful whisky producers. Founded in 1898, it lay dormant for decades until revived in the 1990s by Gordon & MacPhail, who set out to resurrect the classic Speyside style: a balanced, subtly peated single malt with a rich, fruity core. Today, just a handful of distillers craft Benromach by hand, using traditional methods, local barley, and pure spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The result is a whisky that feels both timeless and distinctive, with a whisper of peat smoke that sets it apart from many of its neighbours.

Inside the Working Distillery

A visit here is a hands-on journey through the whisky-making process. You’ll see the old Boby mill crushing the malted barley, the mash tun where sugars are extracted, and the larch washbacks where fermentation unfolds over several days. The heart of the operation is the pair of burnished copper stills, where the new-make spirit is shaped by sight, sound and touch. Guides walk you through the still house, spirit safe, filling room and dunnage warehouses, explaining how each decision – from yeast selection to cask type – influences the final dram. The atmosphere is intimate and unpolished, a working distillery where the focus is squarely on the craft, not corporate gloss.

Tasting the Benromach Character

The experience culminates in a tutored tasting of Benromach’s core range and often a distillery-exclusive bottling. Expect a Speyside whisky with a twist: a gentle peat smoke layered over ripe orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and notes of dried fruit and spice, especially in older expressions like the 15-year-old. The tastings are relaxed and informative, with guides happy to discuss cask finishes, the Contrasts range, and the distillery’s ongoing experiments. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to whisky, the tasting offers a genuine insight into how a small, family-owned distillery shapes its signature style.

Visitor Centre and Local Context

The distillery’s visitor centre is a welcoming space where you can browse the full Benromach portfolio, pick up exclusive bottlings, and find whisky-themed merchandise. Located just a short distance from Forres, it fits neatly into a Speyside itinerary alongside other local distilleries and historic sites. The surrounding Moray countryside, with its rolling hills and river valleys, provides a classic Highland backdrop, and the nearby town offers a taste of traditional Scottish market-town life. Benromach’s charm lies in its modest scale and personal touch, making it feel more like a local secret than a major tourist draw.